When I house snakes in plastic containers, I prefer clear tops so I can see where they are. I also attach a loop of nylon chord so I can open the container without having my hands anywhere near the opening.
I use opaque holding containers when feeding snakes or cleaning cages because the snakes are less stressed if they can't see me working in the room. I use the chord here also.
I bought the only sturdy, bright red trash can I could find and built this lid from scratch to use with large elapids that can't be safely put in the container above.
The lid is made from 3/16" polystyrene sheet,
lexan, homemade aluminum L-brackets, aluminum rivets and a gate handle. The rim fits
tightly on the inside of the can.
It allows me to see where the snake is before opening the can.
It also doubles as a shield while opening or closing.
Note: I don't normally use this can for rubber black racers,
but they sit still for pictures.
These are some of the essential tools I like to have handy at all times:
A selection of snake hooks.
A set of plastic tubes for restraining venomous snakes.
Long hemostats for feeding venomous snakes.
Long tweezers for feeding small nonvenomous snakes.
Two compression bandages in case of an elapid bite.
A sign to be hung on the outside doorknob in the event of a bite where the snake then escapes
in the room and connot be easily retrieved before leaving for the hospital.
Send questions, requests, hate mail or whatever to: Larry D. Fishel